I arrived at camp with anticipation and wonder. It was my first hunting experience and
             I, personally, knew nothing about killing deer. I considered the image of me taking an
             animal's life. Would I feel guilty if I had the opportunity to shoot the gun that lay encased
             at my feet? My grandpa ruffled my hair and chuckled at me while asking me to help him
             unload the truck. Maybe my grandpa, a true hunter, had once pondered similar
             sentiments. As the other men and I unloaded the last cooler of food, I thought, hear I am,
             one of the guys-ready for action- ready for this right of passage.
             There were moments of waiting. I thought of the warm, comfortable trailer as the cold
             morning's breeze struck my face. The fog was an obstacle to my sight, but it felt warm to
             my bare face. As the horizon began to glow with bronze sun rays, the minuscule water
             drops danced over the grass creating a landscape full of nature's rainbows. The rotten
             wood that served as my stool had slimy moss growing on it and it smelled much like a
             I accepted the uncomfortable position I was in, because now, I was a hunter. Most of the
             shivers that ran through my body were not because of the cold, but from the excitement
             and anticipation of seeing the "big buck." I was crippled in my desire to be still and quiet
             while I wanted to vociferously shout out all my nervous tension.
             The stillness of the woods was shattered when the first gunshot was fired by an adjacent
             hunter. I cursed in envy that another hunter was so lucky. I wondered if his shot was
             successful. Did he get the "big one?"
             The warmth of the rising sun began to melt the frost that lay upon the trees. A curious
             chickadee perched himself upon a nearby tree branch. Despite the distraction, I enjoyed
             his morning song that he sang with such brilliance. My enjoyment of the bird's company
             ...